Answers
Feb 18, 2011 - 05:59 PM
Yep, you're thinking about it too much :)
Like a lot of "rules" in language learning, they're more helpful guidelines rather than strict laws. There are certainly many places where the innate vs. temporary quality "rule" of ser vs. estar breaks down (for a somewhat dark example, why is it "está muerto?!??!?!". You've just gotta have faith that you'll pick them up naturally as you.
Also, have faith that you'll be understood perfectly no matter whether you say "esta facil" or "es facil." Effective communication -- not perfect communication -- should be the goal at this point. We're all going to sound like gringos/as for a long long time.
Like a lot of "rules" in language learning, they're more helpful guidelines rather than strict laws. There are certainly many places where the innate vs. temporary quality "rule" of ser vs. estar breaks down (for a somewhat dark example, why is it "está muerto?!??!?!". You've just gotta have faith that you'll pick them up naturally as you.
Also, have faith that you'll be understood perfectly no matter whether you say "esta facil" or "es facil." Effective communication -- not perfect communication -- should be the goal at this point. We're all going to sound like gringos/as for a long long time.
Feb 18, 2011 - 06:09 PM
Lol. pero yo no quiero hablar como un gringo! Not sure if I said that right.
Thanks for your help.
Thanks for your help.
Feb 18, 2011 - 06:16 PM
You said it correctly. Just learn some slang words for the country/city you go to, and throw those around like it's your job. That'll earn you some respect. And if that doesn't work, get a scarf and sunglasses like I have in my picture. No one messes with me.
Feb 21, 2011 - 08:03 PM
Griffin....Eric is right on! Try not to over think it:) I've been there....over thinking everything! When starting to learn any language all you have to focus on is "the rules" so it's perfectly normal to become focused on every nuance. As I've learned, the hard way, focusing on being absolutely correct in your usage will seriously impede your goal of fluency. In reality, even native Spanish speakers don't always follow the rules. Actually they sort of follow the rules with many regional differences.
Just jump in, sound confident, and learn by your mistakes. Or, get a cool scarf and sunglasses!!
When I Skype with my Spanish teacher trying to formulate some semblance of a sentence, running all the rules thru my head, coming up with some complicated sentence, she stops me with "you're making this harder than it is". And Magically she says what I'm trying to say in 3 or 4 words! Just keep it simple and you will be understood even if it's not exactly by the rules. This how you learned English. See spot run. See spot run to the house. If the kid said...see spot goes to the house...you'd still understand what she was trying to say.
Be gentle with yourself! You're doing great!
Just jump in, sound confident, and learn by your mistakes. Or, get a cool scarf and sunglasses!!
When I Skype with my Spanish teacher trying to formulate some semblance of a sentence, running all the rules thru my head, coming up with some complicated sentence, she stops me with "you're making this harder than it is". And Magically she says what I'm trying to say in 3 or 4 words! Just keep it simple and you will be understood even if it's not exactly by the rules. This how you learned English. See spot run. See spot run to the house. If the kid said...see spot goes to the house...you'd still understand what she was trying to say.
Be gentle with yourself! You're doing great!